THE shock suicide of a longstanding colleague has prompted a farm machinery maker to raise money and awareness at six national field days.
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Brightly coloured chaser bins at the events – including next week’s AgQuip in Gunnedah – will be used to highlight mental health in rural areas.
Coolamon Chaser Bins will distribute information packs on behalf of national charity beyondblue.
General manager Heath Hutcheon said the company would also give the charity $1000 from every bin sold at the events.
The company’s initiative, Beyond Bins, will see its chaser bins sporting bright magnets highlighting anxiety, depression and suicide.
“We recently lost one of our long-time employees to suicide – he was a very well-loved person by all, and we pulled together to get through the loss as a group,’’ Mr Hutcheon said.
“Now a few months have passed, we wanted to create awareness around mental health and support beyondblue at the six national field days we will be attending.’’
Mr Hutcheon said their workmate’s death had shocked them, as he’d been “a happy-go- lucky guy”.
He said rural men often regarded themselves as stoic and hardworking, and were reluctant to ask for help.
“Just because someone has a smile on their face, you can’t take it for granted they are OK,” he said.
“It can be just one conservation with a mate or a work colleague to uncover they need help and stop their problem from growing legs ...
“We have had a few young staff who have struggled with anxiety and depression – it is important to talk and check on your mates, ask them if they are OK.”